Adoption of Assistive Technologies in Academic Libraries: A Case of Margaret Thatcher Library, Moi University

Abstract

Assistive technologies are important for students with visual impairment both for totally blind and the partially blind. These assistive technologies help these students to access useful information and materials just like their sighted peers. Accessing quality information resources is necessary for success in their education and self development. This study sought to establish the assistive technologies needed for the visually impaired students (VI) in Moi University, Margaret Thatcher library. There is need for attention to be given to librarians to realize the urgency or acquiring high tech devices and modern technologies to be installed on computers. Modern technology is availing journals, books and coursework in digital format for access by the VI students using, screen reading software, Braille technology and magnification equipments. Barriers to access must be overcome and specialized needs must be included in the library equipments, upgrade plans and others across the board. This research intends to be a descriptive research. The researcher collects data using interviewing visual impaired students, interviewing the library staff and giving questionnaires to the library management. Reflections from this initial study are presented in hopes of changing how visually impaired students are encouraged to relate to digital assistive technologies availed the in the library. It was envisaged that the finding, recommendations and suggestions of this study, would be helpful to VI students, their lecturer, librarians, curriculum developers and policy makers in the area of education.